CDL-A Professional Truck Driving

The CDL-A Professional Truck Driving program is a 200 hour program which prepares
the graduate to enter the commercial driving industry as an over-the-road truck driver.
Students will rotate through a combination of classroom, driving simulator time and
45 hours of driving.

Program Coordinator

Professional Truck Driving Training Program

There is a strong and growing demand for professional truck drivers. The Truck Driving
program’s comprehensive curriculum provides students with the substantial knowledge
and practical skills necessary to become an entry-level over-the-road or local truck
driver. Since 2015, we have trained hundreds of students to become safe and responsible
drivers.

The CDL-A program consists of 200 hours of instruction conducted over 5 weeks (day
class) or 8 weeks (evening class). No prior knowledge or experience in truck driving
is required. Students will receive ample time behind the wheel learning how to maneuver
trucks into parking spaces, advance shifting skills on the driving range, plus drive
on city and highway roadways. Backing and driving skills are developed through classroom,
lab, range and roadway experiences. The program also covers trucking industry regulations,
trip planning, how to complete appropriate safety inspections and paperwork. Upon
successful completion of the program, students take the CDL-A exam with the Missouri
Highway Patrol to earn their license before starting their new career as a professional
truck driver.

The training program exceeds the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Proposed
Minimum Standards for Training Tractor Trailer Drivers. All transportation programs
are improved and updated by a program advisory committee, comprised of successful
companies within the trucking industry. Residents of Missouri and Illinois meeting
program eligibility requirements are accepted. Residents of other states accepted
on a case-by-case basis, dependent upon laws of the home state.

“Training at St. Louis Community College-Forest Park was an enjoyable experience.
The training was complete and fun, and the instructors were knowledgeable and nice.
I began working for a great company right after the class ended.” - Kirk Pennington,
December 2016 graduate.

Eligibility Requirements for Program Registration

Must attend a free Truck Driving information session. Call 314-984-7777 to register. Information sessions are held at 9:30 a.m. on the 1st, 3rd and 4th Thursday
of each month and at 5 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.

During the free Truck Driving information session, you will be provided with details
regarding the training program options, as well as the following:

How to study for and obtain the appropriate commercial learner’s permit prior to class,
and what should be included (general knowledge, combination and air brakes, plus the
recommended endorsements). Where to obtain a recent driving record for review and
approval by the Career Pathway coach.

Where to take a WorkKeys Assessment.

When to take your DOT physical and drug test (forms and directions will be provided
upon paid registration).

Funding opportunities to explore, such as Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA)
funds available through Career Centers for eligible participants, SkillUp funding for eligible SNAP recipients, apprenticeship program with select employers, and more.

Registration

Please call 314-984-7777 to register for a free information session and complete the online application. Completing the application is not considered a course registration.

Still have questions? Contact Bahi Talundzic, Career Pathway Coach, at 314-644-9786 or italundzic@stlcc.edu